Walks & wildlife

Cuairtean & Fiadh-bheatha

The terrace walk along the garden edge boasts some of the best views in Skye, looking over the Sound of Sleat to the mountains of Knoydart. Leading beyond the gardens we have created over 5 miles of nature trails into areas of beautiful mixed woodlands, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife-spotting.

You are welcome to take your dog on the nature trails but due to the presence of livestock, please keep them on leads at all times. For walks on the wider estate and Sleat Peninsular download the Paths Around Sleat leaflet produced by Visit Sleat.

Estate trails

The Red Trail (1.25 miles return) follows the shore of the Sound of Sleat through woodland carpeted in bluebells and wild garlic in spring. Look out through the trees and you may catch a glimpse of otters at play on the shore. The Blue Trail (1.5 miles return) takes you through farmlands and woodland with open glades with views of Armadale Castle nestling amongst the trees. A spur off this path heads north to Armadale Hill (Cnoc Armadail), extending the walk to 3 miles. A panoramic viewpoint lays the magnificent Sleat peninsula before you, framed on one side by the spectacular Cuillin Ridge and on the other by the mainland hills of Knoydart. This is the territory of red deer and golden eagles.

Wildlife

Our gardens and wider Estate offer visitors the chance to see many of Scotland’s iconic wildlife species in their natural environment including red and roe deer, otters and a huge variety of birds including skylarks, lapwings, shearwaters, diving gannets and golden eagles. The sea (white tailed) eagle has been re-established on Scotland’s west coast and you may well see one of these magnificent creatures soaring above you as you explore the Estate.

The sea around the Estate is home in the late summer to basking sharks and minke whales, while porpoises can be seen in many of the bays from the spring onwards. You can sometimes spot otters playing on the shore beneath the terrace walk. Walking through the ancient woodland of Dalavil you might even see an adder. If you do see this snake’s distinctive markings, go quietly and carefully, and the adder should slip away.